The Watsonian GP700 Sidecar Now Fits The Triumph Rocket 3

It’s easy to dismiss motorcycle sidecars if you’re a dedicated solo rider. But it’s great to be able to take more of the family out on two wheels. Even if it’s technically three by that stage. And it’s also handy to have a lot more luggage space. So it you want an outfit with plenty of grunt, the Watsonian GP700 sidecar now fits the Triumph Rocket 3.

When you’re looking to add weight, it makes sense to use a bike with plenty of power and torque. And with the largest production engine around, the Triumph can deliver on both counts. Plus the substantial suspension and brakes will handle the additional mass well. And the ABS won’t go amiss either.

It also looks right to have a sidecar attached to something more traditional, whether that’s a roadster or cruiser. And given the obviously bulk of the Triumph Rocket 3, it still looks pretty balanced with the Watsonian GP700 attached.

Apparently fitting a sidecar to the Rocket 3 did take some effort in the British Watsonian factory. The tubular steel twin spine frame of the Triumph doesn’t have any mounting points suitable for a sidecar. So a special tubular steel subframe had to be produced in the Cotswolds to be fitted on both sides of the Rocket 3. This gives the required secure mounts for the four attachment arms.

It makes sense that the Watsonian GP700 sidecar now fits the Triumph Rocket 3. The bike may have the largest engine to come off a motorcycle production line, but the outfit is the largest sidecar in the Watsonian Grand Prix range. The fibreglass body has a polished gelcoat fitting with aluminium beading on the nose, which harks back to the style when it was originally introduced in 1966.

And the size of the GP700 means a spacious 700mm wide bench seat. Plus a 185-litre rear locker, to give plenty of bootspace.

It’s not cheap, with the Triumph Rocket 3 sidecar fitting kit costing £1250, and the Watsonian GP700 sidecar range starting at £6,295. But it’s got plenty of style and presence. Plus enough room for a sizeable amount of beverages when you nip to the shops. Which you can also claim is to weigh the outfit down when you don’t have a passenger, and therefore it’s a safety aid.